A PROPER SALMON DISH
For the salmon dish the bean puree was placed on the plate first. Visually this creates a nice foundation for the dish while adding moisture to the beans and a layer of texture and flavor.
The corona beans beans were placed on the dish second and they serve several purposes. On the simplest level they visually create height to the dish and provide a stage for the star ingredient, the salmon. But more importantly the corona beans were chosen specifically do make the dish heartier by adding richness in taste. They also so a great job at creating balance for the strong flavor of the salmon.
The wild salmon is the star ingredient of which the entire dish is based around and it was chosen purely on the fact that it was wild salmon season and therefor incredibly fresh (never frozen). Using fresh ingredients is the starting point for an great dish. Fresh = fuller flavor, brightness in color, and textural integrity.
Next the Mediterranean salsa was placed on top of the salmon. It’s positioning adds height to the dish and garnishes the fish. The salsa includes 3 different kinds of cherry tomatoes, olives, fresh herbs, olive oil, a touch of vinegar, salt and pepper. The tomatoes in the salsa add sweetness and acid to cut the richness of whole dish, along with adding another layer of color and texture, juiciness. The olives add a salty element, texture, and another contrast of color which creates depth and spectrum. Olive oil adds moisture. Vinegar adds acidity. Salt and pepper create seasoning and pull out the flavor of the ingredients.
Basil oil was added to the dish last as a finishing touch and yet another layer to the color and overall flavor of the dish. It also adds an herbaceous element.
